Operation Wallacea Conservation Research Expeditions for Schools

During my time in the Amazon I will say was the best trip of my life. During my stay I experienced people and cultures that I never would have experienced anywhere else. The trip also was an eye opener to what I want to do in my life. I also made some very good friends through the trip that even after two years I still keep in contact with. I was also able to use the trip as a good resource in school by contacting the biologists from the trip for information as well as insight on what or how to do something.

After getting off the plane, in Roseau Dominica, I had no idea what was to come. All I knew is that I was excited. I heard we were working with scientists but wasn't sure if it'd be more like a vacation then actually learning.

To my surprise, everything was great. Obviously, theres things we would all like to change about any experience but looking back I think it just what I needed. We had comfortable sleeping arrangements, we had authentic food, and beautiful scenery. I couldn't ask for anything better.

My favorite part was when we began to work with the scientists. They were so interesting! They all had their own story on how they got to where are and all had an immense passion for their work. That was truly inspirational. We also got to know them as people and they were really cool and knew how to make us all laugh.

Another favorite part was diving. I found a new passion of mine. It was incredible discovering a new world up close and in person. I know that in the future I'll definitely go on more diving adventures.

I can go on and on for how much I liked it, but if you're some one who craves adventure, and loves the outdoors, and is curious about nature. I cannot think of a better trip for you. This is FOR you.

I'm planning another trip with OpWall in the summer of 2017 as a research assistant to Croatia! I can't wait!

~Celia

Staying at Matesdroy was paradise. Where else in the world can you be relaxing in a hammock, enjoying the tranquillity and watching a group of Sifakas in the trees? The scenery was beautiful. The lake was like an oasis teeming with wildlife. The ability to disconnect from the rest of the world was refreshing, in stark contrast with the fast pace materialistic life full of distractions we generally live. Highly recommended for anyone, really.

I thoroughly enjoyed my expedition to Madagascar with OpWall, a few of the many highlights of the trip included diving in Nosy Be and staying at Matsedroy. I feel that the staff and University students were friendly, helpful and well informed, ensuring that the trip ran smoothly. I would recommend the trip to any sixth form or University students who are looking for an extra curricular activity to broaden their outlook.

This summer, 2016, I went on this research expedition via my school to Samos and Lipsi islands in the Aegean sea near Turkey. I was not sure of what to expect per se but I was very satisfied with the trips I was part of over the Island of Samos. I first took part in a chameleon survey one night on which we were told the rarity of them and the importance of species conservation which I am very interested in.

I also took part in an insect survey which was great as this was done at night, same with the jackal survey which was very scary! Especially when we actually heard the reply of the packs of jackals roaming around us in the foresty area when we played the stock jackal sound.

Aside from the deep sea diving course which was great, as well as gaining a certified qualification, these trips to scour the island were really enlightening for me, and the classes we went on really opened my mind to the bigger picture of species conservation all over the Galapagos of islands.

I went on Op. Wall to Sulawesi in Indonesia in 2015 and it was amazing. I knew before I went that I wanted to go down the ecology route in my studies but my trip to the Indonesian rainforest cemented my passion for my subject. I was amazed by the knowledge and zeal of the staff and how they taught us so much in so little time. One of my highlights had to be the canopy access course where by using high ropes we were able to climb to the top of one of the emergent trees in the canopy and could see for miles around not to mention the fact that a Draco lizard was on the branch opposite us. This is truly the adventure of a lifetime and the hammocks are so comfortable !

Our base in Balule was a game lodge set on a river bank. There were crocodiles basking on the sand bank and hippos grazing or sleeping on the far shore. The day –to-day activities consisted of game drives (to identify animals), game transects and walks on foot. We had some memorable encounters; lions, elephants, leopard, hyena, giraffe and baboons. We came across elephants on the third day. We found ourselves in the middle of a herd of 13, crossing the road. The guide said: “don’t say a word, don’t even take photos, just shut up”. One of the matriarchs flared her ears at us and the leader gave her a nudge to stop her charging us. You could imagine her saying “leave it, they’re not worth it”. The only way the encounter could have been closer was if the truck had been rammed. Even the guide got out of the truck afterwards, visibly pale, and said “I need a cigarette after that - you’re not supposed to get that close.”
One evening, during the meal, the camp leader came in and said “stay quiet and go to the fence - there’s a leopard hunting”. And there was. A large male leopard walked past us, not bothered by the numerous lights trained on him.
For the second week we transferred to Sodwana Bay, near the Mozambique border. When not diving, we spent most of our time in the café which served coffee and toasties. The entertainment was provided by a troop of vervet monkeys who raided at random intervals. You could have your chips taken out of your hand if not careful. Sometimes they would steal food from the counter. The old lady who ran the place would come out with a catapult, which was less-than-effective but good for a laugh.
Sodwana Bay is a world-renowned dive site. The marine life is spectacular. Ironically, the snorkelers saw the most. They saw humpback whales in the distance, dolphins and a manta ray. The divers had some spectacular encounters including two huge potato bass, (black and white groupers, about 6 foot long), turtles, white-tip sharks and big morays.
Overall, it was a stunning trip. We ate impala stew and Mopani worms (actually caterpillars), saw how far we could spit impala poo (it’s a game, honest), danced with Zulus, slept under the stars and played football with elephant dung. It beats going to Southport.

This was probably the most personally challenging two weeks of my life, in particular the week spent in the rainforest, coping with the rain (not surprisingly) and the week was topped with the awesome experience canopying. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, and although conditions were hard, everyone had a sense of achievement at the end of this week. The second week diving and snorkelling was an amazing experience too, the unspoilt beaches and reef wildlife meant it was an absolute privilege to be able to visit and enjoy the location.